Illinois gambling plan passes Senate; now needs to pass House

[Nate tha\\\' Great]

Don't get too excited since the House majority leader is not a fan of the proposal and probably will not round up his constituents.

We're just one step away, though, since the governor will sign the bill if the House passes it.

http://www.wqad.com/Global/story.asp...7&nav=1sW7

[MiltonFriedman]

... Madigan, in the House is quoted as follows:

"House Speaker Michael Madigan says House Democrats might be willing to support a much smaller expansion that would apply only to existing casinos."

It is a classic NIMBY reaction, one which does not rule out existing horse tracks from adding online gambling. (NIMBY = Not In My Back Yard.)

Can someone get a copy of the actual bill passed by the House, to see if the online stuff is still in it ?

This is a pleasant surprise, especially IF it passes before the Federal regs are out.

Milton

[mshalen]

http://www.nbc5.com/news/13426649/detail.html

"The measure also offers money to help support the horse-racing industry and would allow electronic poker at casinos so that people could play against gamblers across the country"

I am going to repeat my theory that they are throwing a bone to the tracks so they will support the bill, but they don't understand the ramifications of what they are doing.

[MiltonFriedman]

"The measure also offers money to help support the horse-racing industry and would allow electronic poker at casinos so that people could play against gamblers across the country.'

OOPS, the "across the country" part is worrisome. I would have preferred to see "babysteps".

I'll try and get a copy from someone.

[MiltonFriedman]

The illinois Senate Democrats have the votes to pass it without any Republican votes, and a Democrat Governor who is backing it.

[Lucky]

[ QUOTE ]
The illinois Senate Democrats have the votes to pass it without any Republican votes, and a Democrat Governor who is backing it.

[/ QUOTE ]

This sounds like terrific news. With respect to opening poker based at racetracks to 'gamblers from around the country' would this include Wisconsin? Or would states have to opt in, and because Wisconsin has thus far been considered one of the banned states, i'd have to move to north illi-noise.